Abstract:
This article aims to study the origin of “Geo-body” (Geographical shape) and the modernity in upper Lanna in the era of King Chulalongkorn of Siam. Before Lanna was annexed to Siam, Buddhist beliefs, such as Trai-Phum (Three Worlds), and hierarchy of towns and cities influenced the origin of Geo-body. Trai Phum devided the world into 31 layers. After Lanna rulers contacted with westerners, several modern buildings were built at the center of the city, such as Chiang Mai; however, the origin of Geo-body was not much affected. During the time of King Chulalongkorn, Lanna was annexed by Siam who tried to form a new Geo-body of Lanna which was established to fit with the one of Siam. It had been built after the western concept and shaped by the settlement of Christian Missionaries, the city became a new area under a new Geo-body.